The Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale is the fastest growing region in the country, with families flocking to enjoy the area's proximity to the bush and the city.
Comprising 13 suburbs across Perth's metropolitan south-east and nestled in the Darling Scarp, the shire's population has seen an unprecedented 50 per cent jump according to the latest Census data.
Twenty-seven thousand people now live in the area, compared to 18,000 recorded in the 2011 census.
Byford resident Miranda Jordan moved to the area about three years ago with her family and said the location provided a perfect balance between city and country.
"It's a very friendly neighbourhood. The kids can play on the streets and not have drama with crime," she said.
"It's a good, family friendly place. People walk their dogs, you see families out riding bikes — it feels safe."
She said she was not surprised the region had seen such a spike in residents, with housing developments routinely springing up to cater for the demand.
"Maybe in the country [that's surprising], but not in Western Australia," she said.
"Since we've been here there's been a lot of new estates going up.
"I think it will retain [its character] because that's why people moved here — to get out of suburban hell as I call it, and to somewhere you can have the kids out.
"You do meet your neighbours, you do know who lives down the street."
'It's a great lifestyle'
Tom Mason has lived in the area for more than 30 years, and he was attracted to the area due to its rural feel.
"When we moved out here there was no-one around us, we didn't have any neighbours," he said.
"I just wanted a rural property, no neighbours, the freedom.
"But for me I can walk around the property, dogs with me and it's a great lifestyle."
Mr Mason said he felt it was harder for young people to get into the property market.
"I always say to my kids: 'Buy land'," he said.
"It's the one commodity they can't make more of."
